March 2011

March 29, 2011

I have finished the stitchery and then chose a selection of my reproduction fabrics to use in the borders.

I'm making it into a log cabin type block with 4 strips on each side. I decided to use a different fabric for each strip.

I have quite a collection of reproduction fabrics so it wasn't an easy process. I kept picking out fabrics and finding something else I liked more. Eventually I decided 'that's it' and stuck with my choices.

Once I had sewn them on, it was time to layer it for quilting.

I machine quilted around the stitchery and for the rest of the quilting I'm using Perle 8 thread.

I'm thinking that I will quilt .25" from each seam but this may change as I go. Will start and see what happens.

March 27, 2011

Robin was at a conference yesterday and I found myself with some free time. I had heard about a fabric shop called Funky Fabrix and thought it was a good opportunity to go and have a look.

I had a little bit of trouble finding it at first because the shop is tucked in the back of a group of shops and only found it when I saw one of the girls placing a sign on the footpath pointing the way. I'm glad I did because they have a really 'different' collection of fabric. It's all very bright and fun. They also stock a selection of patterns for simple clothing and some softies; buttons; jewellery made from buttons; and some books.

I bought a book titled 'Make me I'm yours Sewing' which features a collection of simple to make projects with very clear instructions. A couple of little bags really caught my eye.

I also bought a metre of a print fabric - I was attracted by the motifs. My plan is to make something from the book One Metre Wonders. Not sure what yet.

Scarf....

Not far from Funky Fabrix is a yarn shop called Yarn Over Coffee (formerly American Yarns). I dropped in there with the intention of buying some sock yarn to knit a scarf with.

I settled for this Mini Mochi yarn. It's so soft and should be perfect for a scarf. I'm still knitting the cardigan but wanted something which was easy to do so I can take it away with me and/or knit in the car. I found a pattern on Ravelry called My Favourite Scarf. Should be perfect.

March 25, 2011

At the moment I'm working on 2 different projects. The first one is a new design called My House Cushion.

I had another house stitchery already designed and I wasn't quite sure what to do with it. I've been so happy with the cushions I've made lately that it seemed appropriate to make it into a cushion cover.

I've started the stitchery and am using the lovely cream cotton/linen fabric. I also plan to use my reproduction fabrics for the borders of the stitchery. The planned finished size of the cushion cover is 14" square because that's the size of the cushion insert I have in my cupboard.

'Green' Tote Bag...

The second project I'm working on is the tote bag I'm making from two mens' shirts.

I cut the shirts apart and used the shirt fronts for the front of the tote bag. I'm making it a generous size - 17" x 17". I sewed down the front opening along the existing stitching lines (so it won't open when it shouldn't) and then simply joined the top part to the bottom part. I'm going to work the applique in button hole stitch and then I will add a yo-yo for the flower centre.

I think I will stitch some ric-rac braid along the seam between the blue fabric and the stripe fabric. I'm also thinking that the pocket could do with some brightening up as well.

I made the lining in exactly the same way but used the blue shirt for the top part and the stripe for the bottom part. I kept the pocket on the blue shirt as well - will be handy for storing things inside the bag.

The handles have been cut from the left over stripe fabric.

So far, I think it's coming together really well.

Spooks is coming...

I was so excited last week when Caroline emailed me telling me that she had just seen Spooks advertised on the ABC website. It will be back soon. Can't wait to see what they get up to.

March 23, 2011

I was so excited to receive in the mail today, my Teddy Bear Postcard Swap for February from Olive.

Isn't it lovely?

She has machine appliqued the bear and then hand stitched the mouth and added some buttons. The fabrics she has used really give him a nice 'furry' look.

Thanks Olive. The postcard will look nice hanging in my studio. I'm now getting quite a collection. And the thing I really like about it is that they are all so different. Like all craft things, it's always amazing how 2 people can put a totally different interpretation on a theme. Seeing what other people come up with is very inspiring and encourages me to try different techniques.

The theme for April is 'black/white with a dash of colour'. I've already decided what I'm going to do. Might make a start today.

March 22, 2011

I forgot to show you the lovely bunch of fabrics I received from my fabric club at Threadbear Quilters.

My favourites are the 4 in the front row. In fact, I used the blue on the left for the binding on my It's in the Bag project. I've been on the look out for some blue fabrics so was pleased to see the blues in this lot. The pink one in front is also handy and the last one on the right bottom row is a lovely mixture of pink and brown.

But, as usual, all of the fabrics are beautiful and it's always difficult to pick a favourite.

Green Craft...

Sometime ago, I bought this magazine called Green Craft from the knitting shop (of all places). It's a Somerset Studio publication and I've found that magazines they publish are more like books than magazines. The photography is just beautiful and they also have 'different' sorts of projects in them. They are a bit more expensive than other magazines but I think they are well worth it.

I surprised myself really by buying this magazine because to be honest I'm not really into recycled craft unlike my sister who is always coming up with new ideas.

But, this magazine was so well presented and had such lovely projects in it, that I couldn't resist. I was especially taken by a couple of handy tote bags made from mens' shirts. When I go to the post office with my shop orders to post, I always take one of those green shopping bags you buy in Coles/Woolies. Not the most attractive bags but I like the size. I thought that I could make a similar size bag from a couple of shirts.

When I went to Vinnies and bought that cute tea set, I also bought 2 mens' shirts. My idea is to use the stripe one for the top of the bag and the plain blue for the bottom. I'm also going to add an applique flower and some ric-rac. That's the plan. Will see how it progresses.

March 19, 2011

Its a lovely stitchery book by Mandy Shaw. Mandy's first book Quilt Yourself Gorgeous is one of my favourites, so as soon as I saw the cover of this one I just had to have a look.

It's full of some lovely little redwork stitcheries in themes such has hearts, cooking, and sewing. There are some cute projects to put the stitcheries on as well.

There's also instructions for how-to-do different stitches including running stitch, back stitch, blanket stitch and less common stitches like herringbone and whipped running stitch (must include these stitches in my projects).

I'm glad I bought the book - it's a nice addition to my craft library.

On book shops, our local Mary Ryan's has a wonderful selection of craft titles. I mentioned this to the owner the other day and she was pleased because she said she chooses books that she likes and which look good. I told her she has wonderful taste! I've also noticed that Dymocks is now stocking an ever increasing selection of craft books as well. I'm very happy about that. I used to find it so frustrating to try to find books that I had seen on line because I think it's good to be able to look at a book before buying it. Sometimes they are not quite what you expected (this is the voice of experience talking).

March 17, 2011

Well, March is really speeding past and it seemed that it was moving so fast that I was going to be late for my Postcard Swap. So earlier this week I set time aside and got busy creating. I had just finished my card to swap, when in the post I received this lovely card from Sue in New Zealand.

The theme for this month is Pretty Strippy and Sue has made her strips into a delightful fish. Isn't it great? I love the beads she's added for air bubbles!

I love the colours - they are just so cheerful. The little fish looks great hanging in my studio. Very paradise like.

For my version of the Pretty Strippy theme, I delved into my collection of ric-rac braid.

I keep it all in this basket and every now and then I get a bit frustated with the messiness of it (this normally happens when I try to pull a piece out and it gets all knotted up with other pieces) and tidy it up.

The red and white stripe fabric that it's sitting on, is the background fabric I chose.

After spending the afternoon stitching away, this is what I came up with.

I took the opportunity to use up some of my Perle 8 theads as well and used them to do the stitching. For some of the ric-rac I worked a cross stitch and for the wider pieces I worked colonial knots.

I continued the strippy theme and used a stripe fabric for the binding.

March 15, 2011

I had some fabric left over from my Me and My Sister design and while wondering what to do with it, I looked through the book Quilting in No Time for inspiration.

The book is full of lots of ideas and they are all very achievable.

A cushion cover made with a log cabin block in different shades of red caught my eye.

I cut my fabric pieces into 2.5 " strips and sewed them together really quickly. I fused pellon to the back and then quilted it all over in a large stipple design with a light coloured thread.

I had enough fabric left to make the back and even managed the buttonholes without looking at the machine manual.

And, before I knew it I had a lovely cushion to add to my collection. The one in the magazine was 18" but I only had a 16" insert so I just left off one of the rows of fabric.

I still have some of that fabric left. I originally bought a bundle of fat quarters and they have really gone a long way. I'm planning on making a charity quilt with the left overs. Probably a cot size. I think a baby would love the fresh colours.

March 13, 2011

I've just finished reading this delightful novel The Shelly Beach Writers' Group by June Loves.

The story is about Gina a just turned 50 woman whose husband has just left her and in the process taken all her assets and left her homeless and almost penniless. She takes a job as a house/dog sitter in a small beach side town where she plans to 're-group'. But, she soon becomes involved in lots of activities and builds lasting relationships with the locals.

I just loved this book. The characters are really engaging and some of the things they do are quite funny. Gina arrives in the town with no prospects and ends up with a job, friends and a place to live. Her conversations with 'the dog' are funny especially his 'responses' to her musings.

The book is really easy to read and very satisfying. It has a nice happy ending (I needed a book with a happy ending) and left me feeling good (I needed to feel good).

TV...

We stumbled across a good show on tv last night (we don't have any social life) at 8.30 on ABC1 called Strike Back starring the Richard Armitage (Spooks). It's a 3 part series and if the first one is anything to go by, is really exciting. Robin even thought it was worth missing the footy (League and Union) and cricket for.

March 11, 2011

I managed to finish my new It's in the Bag design. It all came together really well.

I'm pleased with the fabric I chose. I'm not sure where I bought that fabric but I remember at the time thinking how pretty it was. It has a lovely pinky background and the pink fabrics I chose for the lining worked well with it.

The stitcheries were quick to do and I really enjoy working with the linen fabric. I'm definitely going to get some more of that - I only have about 20cm left. When I find a nice fabric to stitch on, I always keep some in my stash.

This is the pen holder on the back of the notebook. I won't lose my pen now.

I won't have any excuse to have a messy bag now. I'm going to put them all in my bag immediately!

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